We recently connected with Lindsey Alderman and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I’ve often felt misunderstood. Choosing a path that isn’t considered the norm can always present challenges when it comes to managing how you’re perceived. I’ve always tried to embrace exactly how I feel and let my emotions reflect purely in my art. Over the years I’ve shared many personal highs and lows, relationship triumphs or shortcomings, and been painfully vulnerable at times. Allowing the world to bear witness to my evolution is allowing the world to judge me, but I know myself deeply and trust that the right audience will gravitate. I give myself grace and let myself change; I see myself as being a remarkably flawed human. I can’t control how others perceive me but that only strengthens the relationship I have with my own self.

Lindsey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In short, I am a musician. I came out of the womb writing music and possessing a deep craving to perform. I started writing songs early and began playing instruments young. In high school, I played in every band, sang in every choir, and was also a proud theater nerd. By college I started experimenting with a USB mic and recording originals to upload to Soundcloud. My brand began taking shape; I felt empowered being shamelessly confident and sensual. I wasn’t the theater kid anymore, I was an opinionated feminist woman with a passionate agenda and a message to share.

Quickly I started booking shows locally in my hometown of Lawrence, KS. I worked hard for years, consistently releasing mixtapes and albums to build a name for myself in Kansas City. Eventually I took my talents to the west coast and now proudly reside in beautiful San Diego. I’ve grown support organically over the years, connecting with my listeners by sharing my story. I’ve told the tales of my heartbreaks, expressed my own toxic habits, released my ego, embraced my ego, and shed many layers through my music.

Over time I think that’s ultimately what I’m most proud of: staying true to me. As my life has changed, so has my sound. When my heart softens, my music loses some edge and I let myself write over simple guitar melodies. When my blood boils, I sing angry ballads over 808s and drill cadences. I’ve never kept myself in a box and that’s my strength. I don’t have creative limits.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Life will always present challenges, but for me, I think the biggest hurdle for my journey thus far has been the covid pandemic. Prior to covid, I was beginning to consistently book shows in California. I was booked multiple times a month and the excitement and hope I felt connecting to the San Diego music scene was amazing. Being “booked and busy” was becoming my entire personality and I shamelessly loved and embraced it. When everything shut down, I lost a sense of my identity due to the loss of my productivity. I felt robbed by the universe and angry so many opportunities were taken from me.

I know I am not the only creative who endured this internal battle and that ongoing feeling of defeat. I had to reshape my identity- discover myself away from the stages and accolades. Strip my ego. Who am I when there isn’t a flyer hanging up somewhere telling the world I’m going to be performing? Who am I without that external validation confirming to me that music is the right path? Will I ever get booked again or is the momentum gone forever?

I’ve had to look inside and answer those questions. Over time it’s built an unfamiliar inner strength. I’ve been able to discover new hobbies, foster new relationships, and cut ties with anything that wasn’t true to my heart. I’ve been able to define myself without attaching myself to my goals.

Now I’m more determined than ever to continue the relentless pursuit of my dreams. I know in hindsight I’ll be grateful for the forced time off. Without it I may not have realized how important this path really is to me.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Be present. Buy tickets to our events and actually show up. Buy the music. Purchase it. Share it. Stream it. Buy the merch. Please don’t ask us “how’s your little music thing going?” and please don’t tell us you loved the album if you can’t name a single song.

The best way to truly support the local artists you know is by consciously consuming our art. You may not realize how important your one repost can be and your presence at the venue is deeply cherished.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lindseyalderman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsey.alderman/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindseyAldermanMusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itzthelindz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LindseyElizabeth01
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lindseyalderman?ltsid=0120e760-8512-4e3d-8844-28da3b47d81a&utm_source=linktree_profile_share